Books are uniquely portable magic.

Sense and Sensibility~Jane Austen

Hi! In B&H it is so cold and winter is at its finest-white color everywhere you look. Snow is doing a pretty good job, and I love walking in it. But, there is also the other side of winter-under the blanket and with a good book and hot tea in hands. I don’t know which one I prefer, that’s a really hard choice to make. But, either way, let me begin.

I think it’s obvious from my posts that I like Jane Austen-first Pride and Prejudice, then Emma, and now this one. I also read Persuasion but just didn’t feel like writing a review. So, I’ve read 4 out of 6 Jane Austen’s novels, and Pride and Prejudice is still no 1. Perhaps it was my mistake for reading it first and then have high expectations for others too. I’m not saying that I disliked the others, but P&P is something else. I intended to read this one for a long time, so here it is.

Sense and Sensibility is a story about two sisters, each representing one of these characteristics-Elinor is sense, and Marianne sensibility. They have one more sister, Margaret, and along with their mother they used to live in their house in Norland Park.

But, as their father, Mr Henry Dashwood, died, their property, their home, passes to his son from the first marriage-John Dashwood. John and his very annoying wife Fanny and little son come to Norland and live with Dashwood women whom they treat badly so they are only looking for a good opportunity to move out-and it came, Barton Cottage is going to be their new home. But while they were still at Norland, Fanny’s brother, Edward, and Elinor got really close to each other and that sudden moving out unfortunately separated two of them.

Nevertheless, Barton Cottage was really interesting for Dashwoods. Their neighbors, Sir John and Lady Middleton, and Mrs Jennings are securing them company every day, be it lunch at Barton Park-or breakfast at Barton Cottage. One constant member of the group is also Colonel Brandon, who liked Marianne from the very first time he saw her. But there’s one special person who marked their stay at Cottage-John Willoughby. Yes, you can guess. Marianne accidentally slipped when she went out for a walk, and it started raining. And aaaaall of a sudden, there he is, her savior-that perfect Jane Austen’s guy who’s going to enter Marianne’s heart in no time.

“It is not time or opportunity that is to determine intimacy;—it is disposition alone. Seven years would be insufficient to make some people acquainted with each other, and seven days are more than enough for others.”

They share all possible passions, opinions on books, people, everything. But, did I say that he got into the young lady’s heart quickly? Well, he most certainly made a painful way out. Just as he appeared, he left-all of a sudden. And the excuse that he has some urgent business in London wasn’t really satisfying. The wounds on Marianne’s soul and her emotional character just made this awful pain even more unbearable. But, the hope came again. Perhaps for the last time.

Mrs Jennings asked the two of them (Elinor and Marianne) to come with her in London and spend some time there. After a little bit of negotiating, they agreed, and the trip was settled. Of course, what else could they do? Willoughby was in London, Edward Ferrars was probably there too-who was there to disagree? But, London just seemed to disappoint the both of them. Willoughby turned out to be a complete jerk, and married just for money. And from one Mrs Jennings’ cousins, Lucy Steel, Elinor found out that instead of her that same Lucy has been engaged with her dear Edward for 4 years! Events in London helped no one, and sisters were truly happy to finally go home.

But, going home also turned out much harder then it was supposed to be. Marianne got really sick, and Edward was determined to keep his word for Lucy although he had no more feelings for her. Anyway, plot twists, and more plot twists.

“I come here with no expectations, only to profess, now that I am at liberty to do so, that my heart is and always will be…yours.”

Who said these beautiful words? Could it really be shy Edward Ferrars who allegedly wasn’t really good with words? Yes, indeed. And he said them to his real, true love-Elinor Dashwood. So, I guarantee you one happy ending. But what about Marianne? I guess I’ll leave that to you.

All in all, I liked the book. The one thing I love about Austen’s novels is that certainty in the happy ending. I don’t know, but it’s good to know that everything will end up just fine. It wasn’t a romance like P&P but maybe this isn’t all about that. Novel itself puts the accent on two sisters-two opposites. And their relationship is described so nicely. However different they are, they are there for each other, always learning something from each other. And to know that you have someone to cry on their shoulder or to laugh with them, that is something really priceless.

Movie…I love the actors, but was I astonished? Not really. But, it’s a classic, and I’d recommend you to watch it. Kate Winslet is my favorite actress, so, you know… Anyway, it’s pretty good.

What about your experience with Jane Austen? And this particular book? I’d love to see if you have some other opinions 🙂 Comment, like (not that you have to), and bye till the next time. Love you, -S ❤